RATE OF DEMOBILISATION BEING INCREASED

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 106, 29 January 1919, Page 5

RATE OF DEMOBILISATION BEING INCREASED

PROVISION OF SUFFICIENT FORCES' IN WAR THEATRES. London,' January 26. An ofiicial announcement regarding the armies of occupation stales that 80,000 men are ■ now being demobilised daily, compared with 8000 a -fortnight ago; and the rate of demobilisation will shortly be increased to 40,000 a d«y. Obviously if this process continues for two months we shall be left without an organised body of disciplined troops in any part of the world in which we are involved. To build up the old volunteer army would take at least the greater part of 1919; and before any great volume of volunteering con be expected it would be necessary for the rates of pay to be made attractive to the large numbers of soldiers who should have been nble to exorcise a free choice regarding re-enlisting. We are thus confronted with the certainty of an utter gap between the great compulsory armies which have, won , the war and the comparatively email -long service professional forces which' would be required to garrison the British Empire. Forthcoming propoeale are intended to provide for this intervening period. They will ensure that we will-have,-in every theatre of war, sufficient forces (luring 1919 to see that we are not' robbed of the fruits of victory, and that' the Germans and their confederates are made to execute faithfully and punctually the conditions of the armistice and the peace treaty , , and they, will also enable ub to discharge our duty towards our Allies and those who are depending upon us.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ' 740,392 DEMOBILISED SINCE THE ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED; - - ■ (Rcc. January 28, ( 8.15 p.m.) London, January 25. The Britieh Army has demobilised 746,392 men since the armistice was signed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Awn. LACK OF CO-ORDINATION IN ALLIES' MEASURES FOCTT URGES AGREEMENT REGARDING STRENGTH OF FORCES. Paris, January 25. • It is understood flint Marshal Foeh's etatement to the Conference indicated a iack of co-ordinntiou in the Allies' measures regarding demobilisation. Ho indicated clearly that tho pledgee obtained • by force from Germany would be kept as long as there was adequate military pressure. Consequently, he urged that there should be an agreement between England, France, America, Belgium, ond Itnly regarding the number to ba maintained in occupied Germany.—Aue.N.Z. Cable Aesn. THE AMERICAN FORCES DEMOBILISATION IN SIX MONTHS. Washington, January 27. General March announced that shipping arrangements have been made by which the Americans will be returned at the rote of 300,000 a month. Complete demobilisation of the forces will be effected in six months.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn.

FREIGHTS TO AUSTRALASIA TO BE CONSIDERABLY REDUCED SHORTLY. (R«c. January 28, 9.35 p.m.) London, January 27. A reduction of outward freights te Australasia of 10 to 50 per cent., according to the class of goods, will take effect shortly.—A us.-N.Z. Cable Assn.